LAS VEGAS - The Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) completed their final press conference yesterday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas ahead of their Nov. 21 world championship showdown, which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.
Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. Below is what the fighters, trainers and dais guests had to say at today's final main event press conference:
MIGUEL COTTO, The Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion:
"We are hours away from the fight. We had a great training camp in Los Angeles for several weeks. All I have to say is that I am ready for the fight. I know that Canelo is ready too. Let's give the fans the fight they need from us.
"Freddie brings his best to every day and every session. The least I can do is bring my best too. I think the chemistry between us grows every day.
"We are going to apply our strategy in the best way possible. And I have no doubt that what we worked on in LA for seven weeks is going to be the key for a victory.
"I don't need a belt to fight Canelo."
Canelo Álvarez, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:
"Thank you all for the support you've given me and this great event. Also, the reception that each and every one of you have given to me, I'm very grateful. I've had a great preparation. I've worked very hard. I am patiently waiting for Saturday night to have my hand raised in victory once again. It's going to be a difficult fight, I know that, but that is why I prepared properly, and I am ready to give a great fight."
FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Famer & Seven-Time BWAA Trainer of the Year Award Winner, Miguel Cotto Trainer:
"Miguel has a great training camp for this fight. We're 100% ready for this fight, the biggest fight of the year. I've never seen Miguel better than this.
"Miguel is stronger. His condition is great. We had about 6-7 sparring partners for this fight. And we're headed into our last workout today.
"I would love for Miguel to win this fight by knockout, call out Mayweather and then end his career. Miguel always tells me that if he had me in his corner when he fought Mayweather he would have knocked him out. He tells me that story all the time. I think Miguel could pull off the strategy I have to beat Mayweather. I think that would be a good fight for him. I think I could put Miguel in a very aggressive mode.
"We are going to box a lot in this fight. We're not just going out there looking for a knockout. I don't want him doing that. I want him using his foot speed and his angles. He's a more complete fighter now than ever.
"Canelo's defense is terrible. He follows you wherever you go. He's like a robot. If you use angles on him, he will be lost. He cannot make adjustment well.
"We need a fight like this. It's great for the sport.
